Finding the best electric scooter is exciting, but it can get confusing quickly. You need to consider speed, battery life, and most importantly, the electric scooter age limit. Respecting these laws is crucial for avoiding fines and keeping your rider safe.
Age limits for electric scooters vary depending on which state you live in. Generally, riders must be at least 16 years old. However, this depends on state laws and the specific model you choose.
I researched the electric scooter age limit for every state so you don’t have to guess. I also broke down key laws and safety tips so you can ride with confidence.
Electric Scooter Age Limit in the US
Every state sets its own legal age requirement for riding an electric scooter. For example, riders must be at least 14 years old in Alaska and Virginia. In South Carolina, the minimum age is 15. In most states, such as Texas, Florida, and California, riders must be 16 or older. However, many states have no specific age regulations for private use.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Ride a Scooter?
Every US state sets different laws regarding age limits. While most states generally require riders to be at least 16 years old for public riding, several have no set regulations. In many areas, riders must also wear a helmet and carry a valid driver’s license.
There is no maximum age limit for riding a scooter. Seniors can absolutely enjoy the freedom of an e-scooter. However, riders of advanced age should remember that electric scooters require balance, core strength, and quick reflexes.
In general, apply the same logic to scooters as you would to driving a car. Experts suggest the safest age range for operating motorized vehicles is typically between 16 and 75 (1).
Electric Scooter Age Limit by State
Since laws vary so much across the country, I put together a handy chart to break it down. Here is the minimum age requirement for every state, from Alabama to Wyoming.
| State | Age Limit |
| Alabama | 14+ |
| Alaska | 14+ |
| Arizona | None |
| Arkansas | 16+ |
| California | 16+ |
| Colorado | None |
| Connecticut | 16+ |
| Delaware | 16+ (12+ if supervised on private property) |
| Florida | 16+ |
| Georgia | 16+ |
| Hawaii | 15+ |
| Idaho | None |
| Illinois | 16+ |
| Indiana | None |
| Iowa | None |
| Kansas | None |
| Kentucky | 16+ |
| Louisiana | 16+ |
| Maine | 16+ |
| Maryland | 16+ |
| Massachusetts | 16+ |
| Michigan | 12+ |
| Minnesota | 12+ |
| Mississippi | 16+ |
| Missouri | 16+ (on public streets) |
| Montana | None |
| Nebraska | 17+ |
| Nevada | 16+ |
| New Hampshire | 16+ |
| New Jersey | 16+ |
| New Mexico | None |
| New York | 16+ |
| North Carolina | 16+ |
| North Dakota | 16+ |
| Ohio | 16+ |
| Oklahoma | 14+ |
| Oregon | 16+ |
| Pennsylvania | 18+ |
| Rhode Island | None (varies by city) |
| South Carolina | 15+ |
| South Dakota | 16+ |
| Tennessee | 18+ |
| Texas | 16+ |
| Utah | 8+ |
| Vermont | 16+ |
| Virginia | 14+ |
| Washington | None |
| West Virginia | 16+ |
| Wisconsin | 16+ |
| Wyoming | None |
Electric Scooter Laws by State
We covered age, but what about the rules of the road? Each state dictates where you can ride and how fast you can go. Keep in mind these laws apply whether you are renting a scooter (like Lime or Bird) or buying your own personal vehicle.
Use the chart below to find the specific laws for your state.
| State | Laws |
| Alabama | Class M license required; max speed 20mph; brakes and lights required; helmet mandatory under age 16. |
| Alaska | Max 750 watts; M2 permit for riders under 16; M1 or M3 permit for riders over 16. |
| Arizona | Follow bike laws; no insurance required; helmets mandatory under 18. |
| Arkansas | Class M or MD license required; max 15mph; 100 lb minimum scooter weight. |
| California | Driver’s license required; max 15mph; street riding only (25mph zones or lower); no sidewalks; helmets mandatory under 18. |
| Colorado | Allowed on streets (30mph zones or less); sidewalks allowed at 6mph; same rights as bikes; license required. |
| Connecticut | Helmets mandatory under 18; no sidewalks; license required; 20mph max. |
| Delaware | No highways, streets, or sidewalks; helmets required under 16. |
| Florida | Use bike lanes; 30mph max; laws vary by city. |
| Georgia | Roads and bike paths (35mph zones or less) only; no sidewalks; 100 lbs max weight; 20mph max speed; Class M license required. |
| Hawaii | Valid motorcycle license required; helmet required under 18; safety eyewear required; 15mph max. |
| Idaho | No helmet required; no public sidewalks or roadways unless local law allows. |
| Illinois | License required if under 17; follow bike laws; lights required at night. |
| Indiana | 100 lbs max weight; 20mph max speed; same rights as a bike. |
| Iowa | Allowed on highways (35mph zones or less), bikeways, and sidewalks; parking allowed anywhere bikes park. |
| Kansas | Roadways allowed; sidewalks and highways banned; license required; lights required. |
| Kentucky | Same rights as bikes; lights required. |
| Louisiana | Sidewalks, bike paths, and streets (25mph zones or less) allowed; single rider only; helmets required under 17. |
| Maine | 20mph max; lights and reflectors required; max 10-inch wheels; license required. |
| Maryland | Same laws as bikes; 20mph max. |
| Massachusetts | Helmet required; yield to pedestrians; license required; 20mph max. |
| Michigan | 25mph max; streets only (25mph zones or less); cannot pass vehicles; lights required. |
| Minnesota | Max 12-inch wheels; 15mph max; helmets required under 18; no sidewalks. |
| Mississippi | No statewide laws; check city regulations. |
| Missouri | Streets and bike lanes allowed; license required. |
| Montana | Adult e-scooters banned from sidewalks; pedestrians have right of way. |
| Nebraska | Follow rules of the road; no sidewalks. |
| Nevada | 100 lbs max weight; 20mph max. |
| New Hampshire | Varies by city. |
| New Jersey | 19mph max; same rights as bikes; varies by city. |
| New Mexico | Varies by city. |
| New York | Helmets required under 18; no sidewalks; streets allowed (30mph zones or less). |
| North Carolina | Registered with DMV; license required; streets allowed (25mph zones or less). |
| North Dakota | No sidewalks or bike paths; brakes and lights required; helmets required under 18. |
| Ohio | 20mph max; 100 lbs max weight; public roads allowed; lights required. |
| Oklahoma | Varies by city. |
| Oregon | 1000 watts max; lights required; 24mph max. |
| Pennsylvania | Unregulated; varies by city. |
| Rhode Island | Varies by city. |
| South Carolina | Varies by city. |
| South Dakota | Max 12-inch wheels; 15mph max; sidewalks allowed. |
| Tennessee | Brakes and lights required; no sidewalks unless city allows. |
| Texas | No roads with speed limits over 35mph; 750W max. |
| Utah | Treated as bikes; lights required; 15mph max; supervision required under 15. |
| Vermont | Treated as vehicles; usually banned on sidewalks. |
| Virginia | 100 lbs max weight; 20mph max. |
| Washington | 15mph max on streets; reflectors required; sidewalk rules vary by city. |
| West Virginia | Unregulated; generally same rules as e-bikes; helmets required under 15. |
| Wisconsin | 20mph max; 100 lbs max weight; no sidewalks. |
| Wyoming | No specific laws. |
Top Tip
Always check your local municipal regulations. State laws provide a baseline, but individual cities often enforce stricter rules regarding sidewalks and speed limits.
Are Electric Scooters Legal on Sidewalks?
This depends entirely on your specific location. In states like California, Connecticut, Georgia, and Kansas, riding on the sidewalk is strictly prohibited. However, Louisiana, South Dakota, and parts of Washington allow it.
As a general rule of thumb, avoid sidewalks. They are designed for pedestrians, and a motorized scooter moving at 15mph can cause serious injury to walkers.
Can I Ride an Electric Scooter Without a License?
In many places, yes. States like Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Vermont do not strictly enforce license requirements for low-speed scooters.
However, many states treat scooters as motorized vehicles. You will need a valid driver’s license or permit in Missouri, Massachusetts, Maine, Kansas, and Illinois.
Do You Have to Wear a Helmet?
Helmet laws are surprisingly relaxed for adults. Most states do not require riders over 18 to wear one. However, almost all states require helmets for riders under 18.
Warning
Regardless of the law, always wear a helmet. High-speed falls on pavement can cause severe head trauma. It is the single best safety precaution you can take.
Is There a Speed Limit on an Electric Scooter?
Yes. Most states cap electric scooter speeds to ensure safety. For example, California and Washington limit scooters to 15mph. Maine allows up to 20mph. If your scooter is capable of higher speeds, you may be breaking the law by maxing it out on public roads.
Other Electric Scooter Safety Tips
Regardless of your age, you must stay safe while riding your electric scooter. These vehicles interact with traffic and pedestrians, creating potential hazards. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe:
- Don’t Drink and Scoot: Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It impairs your reaction time and is often illegal, just like driving a car drunk.
- Ride Solo: Most e-scooters are designed for a single rider. Tandem riding affects balance and braking distance.
- Gear Up: Wear a helmet every time. Knee and elbow pads are also smart additions, especially for new riders.
- Check Your Blind Spots: Since you are likely sharing the road with cars, you need hyper-awareness. Always look over your shoulder before turning or changing lanes.
- Ditch the Phone: Texting while scooting is a recipe for disaster. Keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on the road.
- Pre-Ride Check: Before you hop on, check your tires, test your brakes, and ensure the stem is locked securely in place.
- Two Hands: Keep both hands on the handlebars. E-scooters have small wheels and can become unstable if you try to steer with one hand.
FAQs
Do I Need Insurance for an Electric Scooter?
In most US states, you do not need specific vehicle insurance to operate an electric scooter, unlike a car or motorcycle. However, if you are involved in an accident, your standard health insurance should cover your injuries. It is worth checking if your homeowner’s or renter’s liability policy covers damages you might cause to others while riding.
Are Electric Scooters Considered Motor Vehicles?
Technically, yes. In many jurisdictions, they are classified as “motorized scooters” or “powered transporters.” This classification is why you often have to follow standard traffic laws, such as stopping at stop signs and yielding to pedestrians, even if you don’t need a license plate.
Staying Safe
Knowing the legal age requirements for e-scooters is the first step to a safe ride. In most states, the magic number is 16. If you or your child are under 16, you likely need to stick to private property or supervised riding.
Regulations vary wildly, so don’t assume the laws in one city apply to the next. Always prioritize safety over speed. Wear a helmet, follow traffic signals, and when in doubt, yield to pedestrians.
